The Farewell Letter

My editor asked me to do something. He asked me to write an imaginary letter which my Dad would write to me--now that he is in Heaven. My editor did this as an exercise in grief as he himself had been a pastor for many years. What happened in the writing of the letter has helped. I've found words to put in that letter that needed to be said. I needed to hear them.

In writing the Farewell Letter, my Dad was able to say somethings to set the record straight between us. I had planned on us having a face to face conversation about the book--more than our phone call shortly before his death would allow. That phone call would prove to be the last conversation and I'm still replaying his words to me over and over about his impressions about the book. The fact that my Dad took the initiative with me in the call and his words means more than I can say. Now, in the Farewell letter, there is an attempt to bring to closure what has loomed so large in my 53 year journey on Planet Earth. His journey is done. Mine is not yet over.

I'm glad I'm a life long learner. There is so much to be learned. I'd like to get a few more things down before my time comes. Wouldn't you?